Jakarta fuel depot fire has killed around 19 people, with three still missing. Source: PxHere
Indonesian fire fighters and rescuers have been searching for three people who are still missing after a large fire killed at least 19 people at a fuel depot in North Jakarta.
More than 260 firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze by midnight on Friday after it spread through the neighbourhood for more than two hours.
The Plumpang fuel storage station, where the fire broke out, is run by Pertamina, a state-run oil and gas company. The storage station is in a densely populated area and supplies a quarter of Indonesia’s fuel needs.
National police chief General, Listyo Sigit Prabowo, said an investigation revealed that a technical problem was the cause of the fire.
Police, alongside investigators from Pertamina, are investigating further.
As of Sunday, rescuers continue the search for three people who were reported missing, while around 35 people were in hospital receiving treatment, some in critical conditions.
General Listyo Sigit Prabowo also said that at least 1300 people have been displaced after the fire, and are taking shelter in government offices, a Red Cross command post, and a sports stadium.
Head of Pertamina, Nicke Widyawati, has apologised, and said the company would do its part in helping the community and participating in the investigation.
According to officials, those killed in the fire have been burned beyond recognition, and DNA and dental records are the only way to identify them.
Grieving relatives gathered together on Saturday at a police hospital’s morgue to search for their loved ones.
A fire at the same fuel depot broke out back in 2014, spreading across at least 40 houses. However, there were no casualties reported.
